Law society president stands down
The Presidency of the Harrogate & District Law Society changed hands in January when Andrew Gray, founder of Harrogate law firm Truth Legal, handed the presidency to Stephen Hopwood of McCormicks Solicitors. The society has been in existence since 1918 and has over 100 members in the local area.
Andrew relished his role as President of the Harrogate and District Law Society for 2018 and was proud to hand over the role to Stephen at a recent ceremony.
CCTV spending goes over the £400,000 mark
Figures released in January have revealed that Harrogate Borough Council spending on CCTV surveillance of its residents went over £400,000 in 2018. The cameras monitor road usage and public spaces, but the latest figures do actually represent a 20.6% reduction on spending since 2010, when the annual bill was £514,000.
Smart parking app launched in Harrogate
A free smartphone app called AppyParking has been launched to help Harrogate motorists in the town centre. Sensors have been installed on streets and in car parks since March 2018, but now motorists can monitor for empty spaces and pay for parking by the minute and not to the nearest hour. The project was jointly funded by Harrogate Borough Council, North Yorkshire County Council and private partners.
Drink-driver flees crash scene with a broken arm
An Audi driver was seen fleeing the scene of a crash near the Rudding Park Hotel in Harrogate, but was later apprehended by police. The driver gave a positive breath test but was released under investigation as he had to undergo hospital treatment for a broken arm.
North Yorkshire Police launch stalking campaign
North Yorkshire Police have launched a crackdown on stalking in Harrogate and the surrounding area, after 132 offences were reported during 2018. Police have urged people to speak up about suspected incidents, however trivial they may appear, and the campaign seeks to raise awareness of different types of stalking and how to recognise the signs.
Harrogate school attracts national press attention over shops support
Ashville College has been featured in The Times newspaper over its loyalty card initiative aimed at boosting the use of independent shops in the town centre. Two dozen businesses including an estate agent, sports clubs, clothes shops, hairdressers and other specialist shops have joined in the scheme.
Ex-police officer ordered to pay back stolen £90,000
Retired Greater Manchester police officer Peter McNamara has been ordered to repay £90,000 he stole while working as an administrator at St Roberts’ Church in Harrogate. McNamara stole the money over a seven-year period between 2007 and 2014 and was sentenced to a two year prison term in October 2018.
Confusion over WH Smiths’ Post Office move
High Street retailer WH Smiths has caused confusion in the town by advertising for jobs and applying to erect signs for a new Post Office tie-up in its Victoria Shopping Centre store, despite plans to close the Cambridge Road town centre branch not yet being finalised. Public consultation over the move has only just finished in December, with Post Office bosses still reviewing feedback before confirming a decision.
Festive drink-drive crackdown judged a success
North Yorkshire Police have hailed their Christmas drink-drive campaign a success after 123 motorists were arrested on suspicion of drink or drug related offences during December 2018. Amongst those already prosecuted is one teenager, Fraser Dias, 18 of Harrogate, who has been banned from driving for 20 months after being found twice over the alcohol limit, just a week after passing his driving test.
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